Archive for the ‘Land Rover’ Category

Ralf Speth, Jaguar president, touted the company's full-year sales set a new record, driven by a 19% increase in China.

Jaguar Land Rover reported its annual pre-tax profits fell to 1.5 billion pounds, or $2 billion, from 1.6 billion pounds the year before, and fourth quarter profits during the January to March period was almost cut in half from 676 million pounds, or $905.3 million, to 364 million pounds.

The drop in profits during January to March period was affected by the higher charges in its vehicle development program and the drop in sales of diesel-powered vehicles. But the company said its annual pre-tax profit was boosted a 437-million-pound, or $585.2 million, credit from its pension scheme in the first quarter of the year.

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The automaker, which was re-organized 10 years ago after Ford Motor Co. sold it to Tata, the Indian industrial conglomerate, noted that “consumer uncertainty surrounding diesel models, Brexit and vehicle taxation” hurt sales in the United Kingdom. (more…)

Audi has traditionally used the NAIAS for major intros, like the Q8 Concept it debuted in 2017.

Already hit by key defections, the organizers of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit learned Thursday that Audi will also be a no-show in January 2019 – though the luxury arm of Volkswagen Group said it will “continue to evaluate” a return at a later date.

A once-regional event, the NAIAS became the most significant auto show in the U.S., and one of the world’s most widely watched, when it added the “International” designation in 1989. At its peak around the start of the new millennium, Detroit could count on virtually every manufacturer to participate, with some years seeing more than 70 new cars, trucks, concepts and crossovers debut.

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As the industry plunged into recession, things began to change. Some manufacturers, such as Nissan, pulled out temporarily, but others decided to abandon the Motor City event entirely. That included some of the most exclusive marques, like Ferrari, as well as mainstream and luxury brands like Mazda, which was a hold out this past January. Volvo had no corporate presence, though its local dealers did roll a few vehicles into Detroit’s Cobo Hall convention center. Now, it seems, the exodus is turning into a rout. Audi follows Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche in planning to stay home next January. (more…)

The slogan for the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan hints at its capabilities: "Effortless, Everywhere."

Don’t call it an SUV. Rolls-Royce prefers to refer to its all-new Cullinan as “an all-terrain, high-bodied car that makes the idea of authentic, luxury off-road travel a reality for the first time.”

Whether you stick with SUV, borrow “Sport Activity Vehicle from Rolls’ parent BMW, or find some other, more elegant term, the Cullinan really does appear to live up to its promise of delivering go-anywhere drivability, even as the folks luxuriating in the back can sip on champagne chilled to the perfect temperature by a built-in refrigerator.

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“Our customers expect to go everywhere in luxury, effortlessly and without compromise,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, the CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The super-luxury lifestyle is evolving (and) luxury is no longer an urban concept. More and more it is about embracing and experiencing the wider world.”

Jaguar Land Rover plans to lay off about 1,000 workers this year as diesel sales have declined.

Many tout the rise of the electric vehicle as a way to create new opportunities and new jobs, but one would be hard pressed to convince the 1,000 employees that Jaguar Land Rover plans to lay off due to the decline of diesel.

JLR, which is owned by parent company Tata Motors, is not only cutting jobs, but is also reducing production at two of its English factories as demand for diesel cars slumps due to higher taxes and regulatory changes related to Britain’s exit from the European Union.

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British new car registrations have been falling during the past year which the industry has blamed, in part, on weakening consumer confidence in the wake of the Brexit vote, after record demand in 2015 and 2016. (more…)

Volvo's Anders Gustafsson accepts the trophy for the World Car of the Year for the XC60.

Volvo racked up another award for its expanding line-up of SUVs as the 2018 New York International Auto Show opened up its annual media preview.

Already honored as North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, the Volvo XC60 expanded its reach by nabbing the title “World Car of the Year,” the most prestigious of six trophies handed out by a jury of 82 automotive journalists from around the world.

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The choice of the Volvo was significant on several levels, as was the fact that “all three of the finalists are SUVs,” noted World Car Chairman Peter Lyon. “That’s definitely a sign of the times.” (more…)

Range Rover is back with a two-door ute at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The 565-horsepower beast goes on sale late this year.

Land Rover is attempting to break new ground in the sport-utility segment and that endeavor was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show: the Range Rover SV Coupe.

The new two-door SUV is the brainchild of Land Rover Design and Special Vehicle Operations and the brand plans to build just 999 of the “coupes” for SVO clients around the world. The idea is almost the reverse of what many European automakers, particularly Mercedes, by giving sedans a “coupe-like” appearance.

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The new Range Rover is a true two door model and designed to look and “be” a coupe. It’s sleek with a more raked appearance, but still features all of the luxury appointments and rugged capability expected from Rover products. (more…)

Land Rover is giving a glimpse of the a new two-door "coupe" concept for the Geneva Motor Show. Just 999 two-doors will be built.

There’s no disputing the fact that coupes have largely fallen out of favor. It doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about passenger cars or light trucks, though “coupe-like” designs are hot, two-door models are largely forgotten.

But not entirely. There’s still a small market, it seems, that the folks at Land Rover hope to take advantage of. Along with the two-door Evoque, they’re about to add a coupe version of the big Range Rover, the first time they’ve done so since 1994.

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“The Range Rover SV Coupe is a highly compelling design with peerless refinement and uncompromised sophistication from its breathtaking exterior proportions to its sumptuous, beautifully appointed interior,” declared the ever-confident Gerry McGovern, Land Rover chief design officer, in a statement. “This is a vehicle that will resonate on an emotional level.” (more…)

The Stelvio is the first SUV ever from Alfa Romeo - though more are in the works.

The 2018 model-year is bringing with it an array of new cars, trucks and crossover — with an emphasis on SUVs that matches up with the broad shift in the U.S. market away from traditional sedans and coupes.

All told, buyers can choose from close to 100 different completely new and updated 2018 models, a daunting challenge to those who might not know where to start. So, TheDetroitBureau.com is weighing in with 15 of our favorite picks for the new model-year. These are vehicles that offer stand-out styling, impressive performance, unexpected levels of standard features and the latest in high-tech infotainment and safety gear.

The Best of the Best!

The list includes an assortment of domestic, European and Asian models. And after you read through you’ll understand why we think these 15 are the hottest new cars, trucks and crossovers for 2018.